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With Segura in lineup, Crew in good shape

Jean Segura impressed and stole 44 bases in 2013 and has the potential to post a 10-homer, 45-steal performance if he can avoid a slump

By Adam McCalvy
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MLB.com |

MILWAUKEE -- Jean Segura shook off a sore shoulder to start on Opening Day for the Brewers, who managed to begin their season in remarkably good health.

The only player on the Opening Day disabled list was left-hander Tom Gorzelanny, who is still recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. The Brewers stayed mostly injury-free in Spring Training, save Francisco Rodriguez's unfortunate step on a cactus and Segura's sore shoulder.

"I like where we're at right now," Brewers manager Ron Roenicke said "Segura was the big question, whether we were going to be at full strength. With him feeling well and doing the things he did [Sunday], I feel good."

Segura tested his arm in throwing drills on Sunday afternoon and took six at-bats against Brewers right-hander Wily Peralta, who pitched a simulated game to tune up for his first regular-season start in Boston on Saturday.

When he took the field in the top of the first inning on Monday, it marked Segura's first action in a Major League game since March 18.

"I'm so happy I could make it back to the team," Segura said. "I don't want to miss any games."

Roenicke said he plans to ease Segura back into action, and the Brewers' schedule helps. After three games against the Braves, the team is off Thursday ahead of an Interleague series in Boston, where Segura could serve as designated hitter. The Brewers also have a day off next week during a three-game series at Philadelphia.

"He was pretty adamant about playing," Roenicke said. "He may not be 100 percent, but we always talk about, 'How much during a season is a player 100 percent?' He feels like that's where he is. This first week we'll manage him a little bit; probably won't play him every day. But if he hits better and he tells me, 'Hey, it's gone,' maybe I change my mind in what we're thinking. Every day it keeps getting better."

Off the field, Opening Day meant the end, for now, of discussions between the Brewers and Segura's agent about a contract extension. Segura had said several weeks ago that he did not want the matter to overlap with the regular season, and Brewers general manager Doug Melvin confirmed to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Monday morning that the sides had tabled talks.

Adam McCalvy is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Brew Beat, and follow him on Twitter at @AdamMcCalvy. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.